Are car accident lawyers worth it? The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies and understanding your legal rights. Having legal representation can impact the outcome of your case. Studies indicate that accident victims with attorneys typically secure higher settlements than those without legal assistance. This is due to lawyers’ understanding of the legal process and knowledge of relevant laws.
For help maximizing your compensation after a car accident, contact Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch, and Turcy, LLC at (312) 775-0042.
Do Car Accident Lawyers Really Make a Difference in Your Case?
After your accident, you may be wondering – do I need a lawyer? Victims of accidents who are represented by an attorney tend to secure larger settlement amounts. Personal injury lawyers bring valuable experience from previous cases. An experienced attorney typically keeps track of jury verdicts and has more insights into what a case is worth.
Knowledge of Laws, Regulations, and the Legal Process
A car accident lawyer is knowledgeable about the laws and regulations related to motor vehicle accidents in your area, guiding you through the claims process. They understand state and federal traffic laws, as well as civil procedures necessary for a successful claim. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can greatly enhance your chances of achieving a favorable resolution.
Personal injury attorneys understand how to handle the submission of court documents, like application notices, while adhering to strict deadlines. Their knowledge helps avoid procedural mistakes that could lead to wasted time and expenses later.
Accurately Assess Damages
Knowing the true value of your case is crucial to avoid settling for less than-fair compensation. Calculating this can be challenging, as it includes medical bills, property damage, lost income, and future expenses like ongoing medical care and lost earning potential. Additionally, you must account for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, which don’t have a fixed dollar amount. This is often difficult to assess without the assistance of a lawyer, which could lead to undervaluation of your claim. An attorney knows how car accident settlements are calculated and can accurately calculate your total damages to ensure you receive fair compensation. In putting a value to your claim, your lawyer will:
- Evaluate Previous and Ongoing Damages: Car accident lawyers should be able to assess your losses, which can encompass medical expenses, rehabilitation services, property damage, lost income, and emotional distress.
- Estimate Future Damages: They should also be able to forecast future damages, particularly in situations involving chronic injuries or disabilities, ensuring that you are compensated for ongoing medical treatment and possible future loss of income.
Investigate and Gather Evidence
After a car accident, the success of your case depends on the strength of the evidence collected. A car accident attorney will gather proof, interview witnesses, and consult experts to determine fault. They will also understand the types of car accident injuries you may have sustained. While this process can be intricate and lengthy, it’s crucial for securing fair compensation. Attorneys tend to be better at this than other people, as they do so regularly, and often have established relationships with local medical providers, accident reconstruction specialists, and law enforcement, which can greatly aid in building a strong case and ensuring accurate medical documentation for your claim.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often deny or undervalue claims from individuals without representation. Adjusters work to minimize payouts to protect their bottom line, which can leave claimants at a disadvantage. Having a skilled attorney is crucial in negotiations, as they can build robust cases that clearly illustrate liability and the damages caused by the accident, helping you secure fair compensation.
Alone, you lack bargaining power with insurance companies, but having a lawyer on your side can change that. They know how past cases were settled and how courts view different injuries. Without legal representation, you’re less likely to take the insurer to court, making it easier for them to pressure you into accepting a lower offer. An attorney, however, can threaten a lawsuit, which often compels insurers to negotiate fairly, allowing you to secure a better settlement without going to court.
Take Your Matter to Court
Insurance companies may refuse to offer a fair settlement, even after negotiations. In such cases, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation. Litigation can be a lengthy process, and minor mistakes can be costly. Having a lawyer with courtroom experience can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome. Sometimes, just the act of filing a lawsuit can lead to a better settlement from the insurance adjuster.
Statistics on Car Accident Lawyers and Their Impact on Settlement Amounts
Research from the Insurance Research Council shows that individuals with legal representation in car accident cases receive settlements nearly 3.5 times higher than those without a lawyer. Additionally, 85% of insurance payouts for bodily injury claims go to claimants with attorneys, demonstrating an advantage in both the value of settlements and success rates of claims.
Another study supports these statistics on car accident claims, indicating that 91% of those with legal representation received a payout, compared to just 51% without. Even after accounting for attorney fees, clients with lawyers typically receive about three times more compensation than those without.
When Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer Is Worth It
Although hiring a car accident attorney is almost always beneficial, and there is no rule on how long you have to get a lawyer for a car accident, you should particularly consider hiring one in the following circumstances:
You Have Serious Injuries
After serious injuries that necessitate significant medical care or could result in long-term health complications, an attorney can assist you in pursuing compensation that covers your current and future medical expenses. For less severe injuries, calculating your damages is more straightforward, as the associated costs are smaller, there’s a reduced chance of long-term effects. However, with more serious injuries, determining the value of your claim becomes increasingly complicated. Non-economic damages can be particularly challenging to assess without a lawyer. If you have non-economic damages alongside substantial economic losses, collaborating with a lawyer is the best way to ensure you do not risk undervaluing your claim.
Your Claim Is Denied, or You Get a Low Offer
There are several reasons the insurance company might reject your claim. Engaging a lawyer right from the start can enhance your likelihood of approval. However, if your claim is denied or you receive a low settlement offer after filing, enlisting the help of a car accident lawyer becomes crucial. A knowledgeable attorney can effectively appeal a denial and advocate for fair compensation.
The Other Driver Isn’t Insured
In Illinois, drivers are required to have a minimum level of insurance to legally drive on public roads. However, some individuals opt not to secure the necessary coverage or neglect to update their policies when relocating out of state.
If you find yourself in an accident with one of these drivers, enlisting the help of a lawyer can assist you in accessing the coverage you require from alternative sources, such as your own uninsured motorist insurance, or by pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
The Other Driver Didn’t Stop After the Accident
Hit-and-run accidents can be traumatic, leaving victims feeling lost and unsure about the next steps to take. Unfortunately, many hit-and-run drivers escape accountability, avoiding the consequences of their actions.
Engaging an attorney can assist victims in identifying the responsible driver and pursuing justice through civil lawsuits. This can lead to recovering damages for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and more. An attorney can also guide you in filing an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance company after a hit-and-run accident.
There are other scenarios where hiring a lawyer is advantageous, including:
- Liability disputes: In cases where responsibility is ambiguous or the other party refuses to accept fault, an experienced attorney can collect vital evidence, speak with witnesses, and build a strong case to prove liability.
- Multi-party accidents: Accidents involving several parties can become complex legal situations. A seasoned lawyer can effectively manage these cases and strategize on how to obtain compensation from different insurance providers.
- Technical medical or legal issues: Some situations involve intricate legal principles or require medical testimony. A lawyer has access to the necessary resources to tackle these unique challenges.
- Approaching the statute of limitations: Each state enforces strict time limits for filing car accident claims. If you’re close to this deadline, it’s essential to consult a lawyer without delay to ensure that your claim is submitted before you forfeit your right to seek compensation.
Contact us at Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch, and Turcy, LLC, for a car accident attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and work towards securing the maximum compensation for your car accident.
